THE SKINNY: The Magpies were shrewd operators. They lost Chris Dawes to Melbourne and Sharrod Wellingham to West Coast but found like-for-like replacements in Quinten Lynch and former Hawk Clinton Young. They also traded Tom Young for a fourth-round draft pick and then used that as a bargaining chip to add Carlton’s Jordan Russell to the list, essentially replacing a young defender for a more experienced one. The club had admitted it needed to improve its ball use when kicking inside 50 and Young will help in this area. Lynch will play the ruck-forward role the club values so highly. The Magpies have also cleverly accrued key picks in next month’s national draft, leading off with 18, 19 and 21.

VERDICT: Was smart with its moves, reinforcing why it is one of the league’s power clubs.

DRAFT PICKS: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82, 100, 118, 136

NATIONAL DRAFT

18. BRODIE GRUNDY (Sturt, 18, 202cm, 100kg)

Aggressive ruckman who thrives on the physical nature of the game. Has played senior SANFL football, excels at stoppage work and is dangerous in attack.

19. BEN KENNEDY (Glenelg, 18, 174cm, 76kg)

Small forward or midfielder who boasts explosive pace and is creative, especially around goal. Wins the ball and is equally adept in stoppage situations.

20. TIM BROOMHEAD (Port Adelaide [SANFL], 18, 182cm, 73kg)

Medium-sized midfielder with an excellent turn of speed, great vision and a cool head with the ball in his hands. Very efficient with his disposal.

38. JACKSON RAMSAY (East Perth, 17, 183cm, 77kg)

Medium-sized defender who is noted for his courage, poise and excellent work-rate.

80. Pass.

94. MARLEY WILLIAMS (Collingwood, 19, 181cm, 81kg)

Small forward elevated from the rookie list. Played six games through 2012 until he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Passed in the pre-season draft but filled its quota in the rookie draft with seven picks, most of them used on ready-made players. The Magpies drew three players from the VFL, gave Yagmoor another chance and extended the career of evergreen Hudson, who will provide rucking insurance should a serious injury befall Darren Jolly.